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Onboarding - how to make it a really good one

Susanne Schmidt on March 17, 2017

I recently started a new job at a German company and experienced on of THE single best onboardings I ever had in my 25 years working as a developer...
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Jess Lee

Such an important task that always gets overlooked!

With every new job I walk into, the onboarding has gotten better and better, but it's still never great. I recently left my position as a PM and did my best to provide all the info I wish I had when I first started - things that would have made me actually 'get to work' way faster.

Little things like...which slack channels to join, what reminders to set, common questions you'll get asked, specific documentation to read over before you dive in, etc...

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Kat

Well, I just learned a bit because I know that feeling all too well... or when things are haphazard... where do I even start and be effective with the team, am I right? Where do I fit in exactly? Role helps, but doesn't cover everything either. Can't assume a certain process in one company to another either as different ones have different needs, etc.

I like the idea of being friendly and not trash talking the new person behind their back, too. It is difficult to fit in for anyone in the first place, I'm sure trash talking the new person doesn't help. It feels crummy and you can feel the "odd one out" vibe. Even in a team of devs somehow. It's bad and devs should be held accountable for anything like that.

So essentially to counter act any "newness" feels (that can feel horrible at times), I'm determined.

Thanks for the post! Super helpful!

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Ben Collins

Thanks for the writeup - this is really a very good outline.